Jamie Damato

Knowing that these dates are set at a VERY conservative level is good for a general guide of products that may have experienced varying external/environmental factors that would decrease the longevity of the product. Having that knowledge but understanding that my own knowledge and understanding of how organic materials break down/decompose, where items are still consumable regardless of appearance (e.g., bananas, seriously? it has a brown spot...irrelevant to the ripeness, taste/flavor, nutritional value, edibility, etc. On the other side, there are certain melons that, when exposed to certain temperatures for certain lengths of time, can become TOXIC. Gain the knowledge, adjust your decisions on purchasing/growing/etc. accordingly. 

I think a sustainable water future in my region, and possibly applicable across (m)any/all regions, would have to start with regulatory change. Appropriate oversight and controls are needed to protect our water sources from an ecological/environmental perspective, with consideration for the sustainability of our water on a long-term basis, not just the current economical needs. The greatest example, in my opinion, of this issue can be summed up into three letters..."MDC" (Metropolitan District Commission) This is a perfect demonstration of how our water's future (and subsequently the environment) can be put at risk without the proper oversight. Allowing a supposed public non-profit municipal corporation appointed by the General Assembly almost a century ago to have control over the area's water and be able to have such a drastic effect on our ecosystem without the appropriate (unbiased) oversight or transparency is definitely not a very promising operation for long-term sustainability. Water that should be managed to keep our natural resources available to its residents for personal use as well as available to ensure our [human] footprint does not negatively impact the surrounding ecosystem (incl. local aquatic life and habitats, river health, etc.) should not require those residents to have to pay increased rates to cover for mismanagement of funds that should be going to the upkeep and efficiency improvements of the infrastructure of the water supply/waste removal. Not when they are simultaneously making unsustainable deals with bottling companies that intend to take that water, bottle it, and sell it for profit. That kind of profiteering with lack of oversight (no independent auditing of their financials/operations?) for this quasi-"public" entity is a major kink in any plan for a sustainable water future.

In the office environment, access to coffee may not be available in the immediate proximity, which means you would need to have that reusable cup in your possession when deciding to get that cup o' joe. If you are coming out of a meeting and co-workers suggest getting coffee, you would need to run back to your desk to grab the mug, unless you are already carrying it with you. While most people think nothing of the fact that they carry their phones around with them, that is not necessarily the case for the coffee mug. Additionally, they are not typically a compact and convenient size for always carrying around (unless you have a large bag that you trek around with you all day).

Another KEY factor that may hold people back is the added responsibility of cleaning the mug. Disposable means no concerns about cleaning after use or before using again. Again, access to facilities in the office where you can properly clean the mug may be limited. 

All of that being said, while in a temporary remote work environment (due to recent unprecedented events), I see NOTHING standing in the way of making the switch.